This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli suggests that national politics and also precepts are 2 different entities. He indicates that national politics need to not be judged by moral requirements, and that principles must not be used to affect political choices. This concept is in line with Machiavelli's well-known work, The Prince, in which he suggests that a ruler needs to want to do whatever is necessary to maintain power, regardless of whether it is morally right or incorrect. This quote recommends that politics must be evaluated by itself values, which morality should not be utilized as an action of success or failing. It implies that a ruler must want to make decisions that remain in the most effective rate of interest of the state, also if they are not necessarily ethical. Ultimately, Machiavelli's quote suggests that national politics and also principles need to be maintained separate, and that principles should not be utilized to affect political choices.
"Well, I think any time you delve into this sort of religion, politics, as you well know, you're going to, you know, touch a few nerves. I wasn't - now - and this is the honest truth"